Digital Filmmaking: From Initial Concept

In this course, participants use their personal cameras (iPhones, iPads, or DSLR’s) to create strong, visually-driven short films and video exercises with an emphasis on the foundations of narrative storytelling. They learn a wide range of elementary film production techniques and build a technical and aesthetic foundation structured around film grammar, story development, script writing, sound, and editing.

For the final film, students work sequentially through the stages of production: initial concept, synopsis, treatment, script, storyboards, and final shooting and editing. During pre-production they learn how to plan for and realize a short film from concept to shooting script. During production, they coordinate and shoot their script. In post-production, they edit and polish their projects collaboratively, sharing feedback on scripts and cuts. The instructor provides guidance throughout the process, emphasizing the students’ responsibility for carrying the project from inception to completion.

Classes include both lectures and workshops, in which students thoughtfully critique and learn from each other’s work. Course instructors provide, in addition to guidance on film production, practical information regarding the film industry, film schools, and career paths. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions.

The completed films can potentially be used for submission to short film festivals and as portfolio pieces for film or art school applications.